Celebrating White Coat with our MD and DDS Classes of 2018... But first, let me take a selfie
It was an Orientation Week full of firsts, including an on-stage selfie with the Dean during Schulich Dentistry’s White Coat Ceremony.
Omar Shehab, an exuberant new student, pulled out a smartphone to mark the proud and exciting moment of putting on his white coat for the first time.
It was a spontaneous act that energized the quiet crowd. The room was hushed while families waited eagerly for their loved one to cross the stage, but everyone soon broke into laughter at the fun unfolding at centre stage.
An important tradition at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, the White Coat Ceremony signifies the start of the four-year educational journey for our medical and dental students. It is also a celebration of the accomplishments and talents of the new classes.
Putting on the white coat is a particularly powerful moment for our new students, as well as their family and friends. It marks a bond with their chosen profession and the beginning of a new identity.
The Dentistry ceremony included welcome remarks from Dr. Michael J. Strong, dean, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, Dr. Harinder Sandhu, vice-dean and director, Schulich Dentistry, and representatives from the Ontario Dental Association, the American College of Dentists and the London and District Dental Society.
Speeches touched upon the honour of entering the dental profession and the importance of ethics and professionalism, as well as the exciting four years ahead for the new students.
The Schulich Medicine White Coat Ceremony took place earlier in the week, as the Medicine Class of 2018 entered the room as students and left as future doctors.
A total of 171 new medical students received their white coats this year.
Dr. Robert Hammond, associate dean, Admissions, shared some encouraging words with the incoming class. “You’re bright, engaging, altruistic and you have inquisitive minds,” he said.
Dr. Gary Tithecott, associate dean, Undergraduate Medical Education, welcomed the students to the Schulich Medicine & Dentistry family.
“I challenge you to never stop learning,” he said. “This is your medical education, enjoy every minute of it.”
On September 2, we welcomed our newest graduate trainees, Master of Public Health students and Bachelor of Medical Sciences students.
We look forward to sharing more details about their orientation in the September issue of The Pulse.
Take a look at some of the photos from the Medicine and Dentistry White Coat Ceremonies. Can't see the slideshow below? Click here to view.
